Improvement in washing-machines



J. L. CLIPPINGER WASHING-MACHINE.

Patented Oct. 31,1876.

Lu 1 12 (or wfii a UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOSEPH L. OLIPPINGER, OF SALEM, OHIO.

IMPROVEMENT IN WASHING-MACHINES.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 183,904, dated October 31, 1876 application filed August 16, 1876.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, J. L. OLIPPINGER, of Salem, in the county of Oolumbiana and State of Ohio, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Washing-Machines; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description thereof, which will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification, and in which Figure 1 is a perspective view. Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section. Fig.3is across-section and Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the rollerframe detached.

Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts in all the figures.

This invention relates to machines for washing and cleaning clothes, &c.; and it consists in the combination of a box or oblong tub having a ribbed board arranged inside in an inclined position, with a frame carrying rollers, which efiect the rubbing and pounding of the clothes by being carried over the ribbed board (or wash-board) upon which they have been placed, all as hereinafter more fully shown and specified.

In the drawing, A is the tub or box. This is preferably square, and is elevated from the floor by legs I) b. Inside the tub, upon its sides, are arranged standards a, between which are secured the inclined braces B. G O are cross-pieces connecting braces B, and D D are curved springs arranged upon cross-pieces 0. Instead of curved springs, coiled or any other kind of springs that are found convenient may, of course. be employed. Upon springs D is placed removably a ribbed board, E, which may be an ordinary wash-board covered with zinc; or it may be simply a wooden board having transverse ribs or ridges, as shown. Above this board, upon the sides of the tub A, are secured wooden or metallic guides F, inclined, and parallel to wash-board E. The construction of the roller-frame shown in Fig. 4, which is used in combination with my invention, is as follows: G G are two parallel wooden strips, of a width about equal to the distance between the top of board E and the guides F in tub A. These are secured together by means of cross-pieces H H, the latter of which forms the handle by which the apparatus is operated. The rollers I I are also secured between strips G Gr, as shown, their axles being pivoted at points 11, below the middle of strips Gr, so that the rollers, which are of a diameter about equal to the width of the strips, will always project slightly below these. In the upper side of each strip G are sunk two or more casters, 0, which, when the frame is in use, roll against guides F, thus diminish ing the friction, and making the machine more easily operated.

The machine, when in use, may be partly covered by a sliding cover, K, thus preventing the water from being spilled or splashed over.

The method of operating my washing-machine is as follows The clothes that are to be washed are placed, with water, in the tub A, and the wash-board E is then placed in position upon springs D of cross-pieces O. The roller-frame, which is designated by the letter L, is now inserted between the wash-board E and the guides F, between which it may be rolled or slid forward and backward. The clothes that are to be cleaned are now spread upon board E, rubbed with soap, and operated upon with the rollers, the eli'ect of which is to rub and pound them as well as (or, in fact, better than) might be done by hand. When clean they may be dropped at the lower end of the board E, and a new batch may be placed upon the board.

The advantages of my invention will be readily understood from the foregoing description. The machine is cheap, substantial, and easily operated. The clothes are not subjected to much wear while being washed, nor are they easily torn, on account of the springs D, which allow board Eto give way to the rollers as they pass over it, in the manner described. When not in use the various parts forming my machine may be tched and dried separately, thus adding, at the same time, to the convenience and durability of the machine.

I am aware that it is not new,in awashing machine, to combine a detachable reciprocat ing roller-frame with a wash-board resting on springs, and I do not, therefore, claim such a combination, broadly; but,

Having thus described my invention, I

claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent wash-board E, with the roller-frame L, herein of the United States described, substantially as and for the purl. In a washing-machine constructed subpose hereinbefore set forth.

stantially as described, the combination of the In testimony that I claim the foregoing as inclined braces B, guides F, parallel to braces my own I have hereto affixed my signature B, detachable cross-pieces 0, having springs in presence of two witnesses.

D, and detachable wash-board E, substantial y as and for the purpose hereinbefore set forth. JOSEPH LEONARD OLIPP 1N 2. The combination of tub A, having stand- Witnesses:

ards a, inclined braces B, detachable cross- JOHN PIOKETT,

pieces O, having springs D, and removable DAVID CAREY. 

